Five Local Students Receive Rotary Club of Hindale's Youth Merit Award

Five students who attend Hinsdale Central High School, St. Isaac Jogues School and Notre Dame School  received the Rotary Club of Hinsdale’s Youth Merit Award on Friday, Feb. 7.

This award recognizes extraordinary high school and middle school students for services to their community and classmates, leadership qualities and academic achievements.

The Rotary Club of Hinsdale honors students from area public and private schools at award ceremonies several times each school year. 

Rotarian Cheri Vana, Senior Vice-President at RBS Citizens, N.A. in Hinsdale, coordinates the program. Staff members at Hinsdale Central High School, St. Isaac Jogues and Notre Dame School nominate students. 

The award winners attend a Rotary luncheon meeting, address the club members about their activities and interests, and receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion.

The honorees attend with their parents and invite an individual they consider influential.  Diane Sullivan, Vice Principal of St. Isaac Jogues, also attended.  

The following students earned the award:

• Kate Ryan, Senior, Hinsdale Central High School, Willowbrook resident
• Jeffrey Smith, Grade 8, St. Isaac Jogues, Willowbrook resident
• Annie Carroll, Grade 8, St. Isaac Jogues, Burr Ridge resident
• Megan Melia, Grade 8, Notre Dame, Westmont resident
• Lindsey Gaffney, Grade 8, Notre Dame, Clarendon Hills resident

“For nearly 25 years the Rotary Club of Hinsdale has presented its Youth Merit Awards.  These awards identify and honor middle and high school students who set the example for their contemporaries in academics, athletics, the arts and community service,” said President Chuck Snyder.  “Rotary members are continually impressed and amazed with the achievements of these young members of our community.”

The Rotary Club of Hinsdale meets weekly at 12:15 p.m. at the Community House in Hinsdale. The club, founded in 1959, consists of men and women of diverse backgrounds whose personal commitment to service ranges from support of local youth programs to assistance for the needy and sick across the globe. For more information, visit www.hinsdalerotary.org.

Source: The Rotary Club of Hinsdale press release